Wheelift Systems (Waverly, IA) offers an LPG-engine powered, all-electric mold changing transporter capable of carrying two molds at a time—each weighing from 30 to 70 tons. With its twin-bed power roller deck, this mold change transporter cost justifies in facilities that have 3000 ton and larger injection molding machines working in high production atmospheres.
The transporters use a unique new supporting axle technology that allow six, eight, 10 or more independent axles to equally share the load across every supporting wheel, regardless of variations in the floor including deteriorated surfaces and ramps where the adjoining bays may be at different elevations. This equalized loading capability also allows massive weights to operate over relatively thin existing floors without concern for floor damage.
Features include total “omni directional” travel capability. Each axle has the capability to independently rotate on its own center, which allows each axle to precision align with any direction the operator chooses to travel. During “normal” travel, the vehicle will make very tight radius turns, but it is capable of stopping momentarily while the operator chooses “rotate” or “lateral” travel. In the rotate mode, each axle will precisely turn to place its axle center pointing at the center point of the transporter. The transporter will now turn on about its own center. If the operator chooses “lateral,” the transporter will drive sideways.